The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to journalist Mahesh Langa in a high-profile money laundering case. The court has ordered full cooperation with the trial and warned against misusing journalistic privileges.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to journalist Mahesh Langa, who is facing allegations in a money-laundering case linked to two FIRs, which also include accusations of cheating.
The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Joymala Bagchi, and Vipul M. Pancholi. During the proceedings, the Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating,
“A journalist has been found extorting money. The allegation is that threats were made to publish adverse material unless payment was made.”
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Langa, countered, questioning the basis of introducing new claims, saying,
“I have already filed a rejoinder. Now they want to bring an additional counter on what basis? They allege a ₹68 crore fraud when it is not even ₹68 lakh.”
During the hearing, Justice Joymala Bagchi observed that the alleged laundered amount was ₹68 lakh and noted that certain flagged transactions required careful examination. The Chief Justice of India emphasized the need for full cooperation in the trial, saying,
“We need an undertaking that you will cooperate with the trial.”
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal responded sharply, stating,
“There is no chargesheet in the predicate offence. If I say the trial will proceed, it amounts to acceptance.”
The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, pointed out that only nine witnesses remain and expressed concern that Langa was delaying the trial. On this, the CJI remarked,
“We are proceeding on the assumption that the allegations involve ₹7 crore; let us see how the matter unfolds.”
Supreme Court Directives
The Court directed the Special Court to:
- Conduct the trial on a day-to-day basis.
- Record the statements of the nine remaining witnesses.
- Ensure that no adjournment is sought, citing the pending quashing petition.
The petitioner, Mahesh Langa, is also restrained from publishing or writing any articles related to the allegations, though he may place additional material on record.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Langa. During the hearing, the SG stressed the professional nature of the investigation:
“We are acting purely in a professional capacity, with no political agenda.”
Sibal responded:
“Are you suggesting that we are not professionals?”
The Chief Justice warned:
“The petitioner should not misuse his position as a journalist.”
Sibal concluded,
“If that happens, bail can always be cancelled.”
Case Title:
MAHESHDAN PRABHUDAN LANGA V STATE OF GUJARAT AND ANR.
SLP(Crl) No. 13743/2025
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